§102.6. Seizure and destruction or disposition of dogs and equipment used in dogfighting

A.(1) Any law enforcement officer making an arrest under R.S. 14:102.5 may lawfully take possession of all fighting dogs on the premises where the arrest is made or in the immediate possession or control of the person being arrested, whether or not the dogs are actually engaged in a fight at the time, and all paraphernalia, implements, equipment, or other property or things used or employed in violation of that Section.

(2) The legislature finds and declares that fighting dogs used or employed in violation of R.S. 14:102.5 are dangerous, vicious, and a threat to the health and safety of the public. Therefore, fighting dogs seized in accordance with this Section are declared to be contraband and, notwithstanding R.S. 14:102.1, the officer, an animal control officer, or a licensed veterinarian may cause them to be humanely euthanized as soon as possible by a licensed veterinarian or a qualified technician and shall not be civilly or criminally liable for so doing. Fighting dogs not destroyed immediately shall be disposed of in accordance with R.S. 14:102.2.

B.(1) The officer, after taking possession of any dogs other than those destroyed or disposed of pursuant to Subsection A and of the other paraphernalia, implements, equipment, or other property or things, shall file with the district court of the parish within which the alleged violation occurred an affidavit stating therein the name of the person charged, a description of the property so taken and the time and place of the taking thereof, together with the name of the person who claims to own such property, if known, and that the affiant has reason to believe and does believe, stating the ground of such belief, that the property so taken was used or employed in such violation.

(2) The seizing officer shall dispose of any dogs or other animals seized in the manner provided for in R.S. 14:102.2.

(3) He shall thereupon deliver the other property so taken to such court which shall, by order in writing, place such paraphernalia, implements, equipment, or other property in the custody of a suitable custodian, to be kept by such custodian until the conviction or final discharge of the accused, and shall send a copy of such order without delay to the district attorney of the parish. The custodian so named and designated in such order shall immediately thereupon assume the custody of such property and shall retain the same, subject to the order of the court before which the accused shall be required to appear for trial.

C. Any person claiming an interest in a seized animal may post a bond with the court in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 14:102.2(C) in order to prevent the disposition of such animal.

D. Upon conviction of the person so charged, all dogs so seized shall be adjudged by the court to be forfeited and the court shall order a humane disposition of the same in accordance with R.S. 14:102.2. The court may also in its discretion order the forfeiture of the bond posted, as well as payment of any reasonable or additional costs incurred in the boarding or veterinary treatment of any seized dog, as provided in R.S. 14:102.2. In the event of the acquittal or final discharge, without conviction, of the accused, the court shall, on demand, direct the delivery of the animals and other property so held in custody to the owner thereof and order the return of any bond posted pursuant to R.S. 14:102.2(C), less reasonable administrative costs.

Added by Acts 1982, No. 432, §1; Acts 1987, No. 590, §1; Acts 1993, No. 1002, §1; Acts 1997, No. 1212, §1; Acts 2010, No. 369, §1.